Question
I've bought a few shrubs at end of year sales at garden center but did not get to plant in. If I leave them in the in the pot do I need to heel them in, or can I just put them in a protected site? Thanks ( I live in Long Island, zone 7)

Answer
Neighbor, best thing for most shrubs is to get them into the ground TEMPORARILY before it gets too cold.  I have to do that myself so I know the ground is still pliable.  It's just getting darn cold to make this enjoyable.

Problem is, leaving them out of the ground, even 'protected', is really asking for it.  They'll freeze, and the roots will be mush.  It could work, you could get lucky, but why take the chance now that you've saved all that money?  Do it right.  And move fast.  Thanks for writing.